LA to San Diego: History, Harbor & USS Midway Magic in one day

Duration9h - 10h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 55 travelers

Overview

Ready for a Southern California escape? This all-in-one San Diego day tour from Los Angeles delivers history, culture, and coastal charm in one unforgettable journey. Step aboard the legendary USS Midway aircraft carrier and explore its towering flight deck and vintage warplanes. Cruise the sparkling San Diego Harbor with panoramic views of Navy ships and the city skyline. Wander through Old Town’s adobe buildings, Presidio Park, and vibrant markets, then soak up the beauty of Balboa Park’s lush gardens, Spanish-style architecture, and world-class museums. This hassle-free tour is perfect for curious travelers, history lovers, and anyone craving a taste of San Diego’s magic.

Itinerary:

Los Angeles → Old Town San Diego (30 mins) → San Diego Harbor Cruise (60 mins, include ticket) → USS Midway (80 mins, include ticket) → Balboa Park (120 mins) → Los Angeles

Options

Pico House Los Angeles (SD1)

Starting point:
424 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

Irvine(SD1)

Starting point:
5402 Walnut Ave, Irvine, CA 92604, USA

Rosemead (SD1)

Starting point:
8832 Glendon Wy, Rosemead, CA 91770, USA

Rowland Heights(SD1)

Starting point:
1463 S Nogales St, Rowland Heights, CA 91748, USA

Monterey Park (SD1)

Starting point:
123 S Lincoln Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91755, USA

Sheraton San Gabriel (SD1)

Pick-up & drop-off services at: this location are only available for guests who have reservations in the hotel. Please provide the hotel confirmation number.
Starting point:
303 E Valley Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776, USA

What's included

Professional vehicles transportation (Vehicle used based on the number of guests attending that day)
For the driver and tour guide are included
Fuel Surcharge
Admission tickets to San Diego Harbor Cruise and USS Midway Museum(excluding Thanksgiving&Christmas)
Professional Driver and Guide (or Driver-Guide)

Meals, Food and Drinks
Personal expenses and other expenses not listed in the Cost Includes

What to expect

San Diego
Pass by

Buckle up for a scenic coastal journey from Los Angeles to San Diego! As we cruise down the iconic I-5, watch the urban sprawl melt into rolling hills, golden beaches, and sparkling Pacific views. We will pass through charming beach towns like Dana Point and Carlsbad, with glimpses of surfers riding waves and palm trees swaying in the breeze. This relaxing drive sets the tone for a day of discovery—where history, harbor views, and cultural gems await. With comfortable transport and curated stops, it’s more than a day trip—it’s the start of your Southern California adventure.

Itinerary:

Los Angeles → Old Town San Diego (30 mins) → San Diego Harbor Cruise (60 mins, include ticket) → USS Midway (80 mins, include ticket) → Balboa Park (120 mins) → Los Angeles

Note: Due to the closure of the USS Midway on Thanksgiving and Christmas, the attraction will be replaced by Hotel del Coronado (40 mins) on the day of the tour.
Old Town San Diego
30m

Step into the soul of San Diego at Old Town — a vibrant, centuries-old neighborhood where California’s story began. Wander cobblestone streets lined with adobe buildings, lively cantinas, and artisan shops that echo the charm of early Spanish settlers. Explore the iconic Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and Presidio Park, both steeped in history and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From mariachi melodies to mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, Old Town offers a colorful, immersive glimpse into the birthplace of California. It’s not just a visit — it’s a time-traveling experience wrapped in culture, flavor, and unforgettable stories.
1h · Admission ticket included

Set sail on a captivating San Diego Harbor Cruise — your front-row seat to one of North America’s most stunning natural harbors. Glide past iconic naval ships, sweeping skyline views, and storied landmarks while soaking in the sun and sea breeze. With live narration from expert guides, each cruise blends fascinating history, scenic beauty, and laid-back coastal vibes into one unforgettable experience. Whether you're snapping photos or simply unwinding, this is the perfect way to see San Diego from a whole new angle. 1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
USS Midway Museum
1h 20m · Admission ticket included

* Note: On Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the USS Midway is closed, your tour will include a visit to the iconic Hotel del Coronado instead — a seaside Victorian masterpiece rich in charm and history. Please check with your tour guide for details on the day’s itinerary. There is no ticket fee will be refunded.

On most tour days, you'll step aboard the legendary USS Midway — a colossal aircraft carrier-turned museum that brings naval history to life. Commissioned just days after WWII, the Midway served for nearly five decades, from Vietnam to Operation Desert Storm, and was once the largest ship in the world. Explore its towering flight deck, vintage aircraft, and immersive exhibits that honor the bravery of those who served.
Balboa Park
2h

Discover Balboa Park — San Diego’s crown jewel and a cultural wonderland spanning 1,200 lush acres. Home to 17 world-class museums, stunning gardens, and the renowned San Diego Zoo, this iconic urban park offers something for every curious traveler. Just minutes from downtown, Balboa Park enchants with its Spanish-Renaissance architecture, captivating exhibits, and vibrant cultural events year-round. Whether you're strolling through botanical gardens or diving into art and science, every corner of the park tells a story. It’s not just a destination — it’s an experience that inspires, educates, and delights.
Los Angeles
Pass by

Buckle up for a scenic road trip from San Diego’s cultural heart — Balboa Park — to the vibrant pulse of Downtown Los Angeles. In just over 2 hours, you’ll cruise along the iconic I-5 and I-405 highways, passing coastal views, rolling hills, and glimpses of Southern California’s diverse landscape. Whether you're heading to LA for; Hollywood glamour and lights, historic landmarks, or world-class dining, this journey back from San Diego offers a smooth blend of relaxation and anticipation. It’s not just a transfer — it’s your gateway back to the energy, creativity, and culture of LA.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

09:15AM Departure 99 Ranch Market; Orange Tree Square Shopping Center；

Meeting point

08:30AM Departure Seafood Village Rowland Heights(next to the TS Emporium).

Meeting point

08:00AM Departure Hartford Hotel, BW Signature Collection Rosemead

Meeting point

07:45AM Departure Sheraton San Gabriel；
Pick-up and drop-off service at this location are only available for the guest who have reservation in the hotel. Please provide the hotel confirmation number.
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.

Meeting point

07:30AM Departure Lincoln Hotel Monterey Park Los Angeles - Hotel main entrance
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.

Meeting point

07:00AM Departure Pico House Los Angeles.
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
The pick-up and drop-off service at this station will be suspended until June 30, 2025.

End point

09:15AM Departure 99 Ranch Market; Orange Tree Square Shopping Center；

End point

08:30AM Departure Seafood Village Rowland Heights(next to the TS Emporium).

End point

08:00AM Departure Hartford Hotel, BW Signature Collection Rosemead

End point

07:45AM Departure Sheraton San Gabriel；
Pick-up and drop-off service at this location are only available for the guest who have reservation in the hotel. Please provide the hotel confirmation number.
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.

End point

07:30AM Departure Lincoln Hotel Monterey Park Los Angeles - Hotel main entrance
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.

End point

07:00AM Departure Pico House Los Angeles.
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
The pick-up and drop-off service at this station will be suspended until June 30, 2025.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour duration includes visit times, travel, traffic, and driving between locations. The roundtrip traveling time between Los Anegeles and San Diego will be around 3-4 hours depends to the traffic on the day.
Note: Due to the closure of the USS Midway on Thanksgiving and Christmas, the attraction will be replaced by Hotel del Coronado (40 mins) on the day of the tour. And no ticket fee will be refunded.
Travelers under 18 must be with an adult. Pregnant travelers allowed if under 24 weeks.
Please verify your name and contact details; errors may incur additional costs.
You must provide your pick-up location to the operator at least 3 days before departure. If not received, the default pick-up will be: 07:00am Departure Pico House Los Angeles--424 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tickets & Admission: Third-party attraction tickets or city passes are not accepted.
By selecting an option and completing your booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the tour's full product description, including all details about itinerary, included and excluded fees. Your payment indicates your acceptance of these terms.
For multiple bookings, please provide all confirmation numbers after booking to ensure you travel on the same bus.
Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and water for hydration. A valid reachable phone number is required for safety and trip communication.
Children under 6 may require a booster seat by law. Coach buses usually do not need one, but winter tours using vans/minivans may. Please contact the operator in advance if needed; rental available on request.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.0 (27)